It is not always necessary to sign a contract, but they are available when requested. I do, however, require all clients to complete a Healthy Pets Vacation Preparation form and provide an emergency contact number! Please note, all Healthy Pets policies stand whether a contract is used or not.
Healthy Pets FAQ's Policies and Guidelines
Please read carefully and become familiar with Healthy Pets policies. If you have any questions not covered here, please ask so there are no surprises down the road!
Payment:
For those opting for vacation care, payment is due via cash or check at the START of service. For those opting for regular weekly walks payment may be made every one or two weeks via cash or check. Please make all checks payable to Sara Silver. If a check is returned, you may be asked to pay for all future services in advance, in cash.
Cancellations:
Healthy Pets does not charge for cancellations (within reason) during non-Holiday periods. However, during Holiday periods, notice of cancellation must be given two weeks prior to the start of the Holiday period (any week containing a major Holiday) in order to be eligible for credit. Holiday care must also be paid for within 3 days of booking. This is due to the increase in demand. I do offer "summer suspensions" for families that have members home during while schools are closed. This will allow you to halt services for the summer months while still holding your spot for the fall. A service suspension requires completion of a suspension form, a deposit and a date services are to resume. For those utilizing weekly walking services, I do allow several cancellations with no penalty- after all, life can be hectic and things don't always go according to plan! However it must be within reason. If cancellations become too frequent, we may need to discuss a new service plan.
Emergency vet care:
In the event that your pet experiences a medical emergency while you are at work or away, I will do my best to quickly transport your pet to the vet in your absence. However, Healthy Pets cannot pay (even temporarily) for services provided by a veterinarian. Also, please understand that some vets will refuse to treat an animal without permission from the owner. Please discuss with your vet how to best handle this situation. You may also want to contact Falls Road Animal hospital in the event that you pet experiences a medical emergency while your regular veterinarian is not accessible. Their telephone # is: 410-825-9100
Apartments:
If you reside in a apartment, please advise management that Healthy Pets/Sara Silver has permission to access your apartment to care for your pet. It is also a good idea to leave my phone # with the management office in the event of an emergency (fire in the building, dog barking late at night ect).
Naughty Pets:
Healthy Pets cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by your pet while you are away. It is up to you to decide whether your pet can be trusted to roam free in your home while unsupervised or whether it is better to rely on a crate.
Aggression:
I do not provide services to homes with aggressive pets. Should an animal become aggressive during a visit (biting, snapping ect) the visit will end immediately and the owner will be notified. This includes all species.
Weather and delays:
Please understand due to the unpredictable nature of weather, traffic, and the animals themselves, all time are approximate. When experiencing winter weather, please make sure your walkways and porches are cleared of ice and snow. If weather becomes so severe (blizzards, flooding ect) that services must be cancelled, I will notify you as quickly as possible.
Keys:
I treat any key given to me like gold. However, in my many years of pet sitting I have learned that keys and locks can be tricky things and accidents can occur. When traveling out of town, it is a good idea to leave a back-up key with a friend of neighbor if you can. Again, if you reside in an apartment- please advise management that I have permission to enter your apartment during your absence.
Refunds:
Refunds are offered only in the form of Healthy Pets credit and only for completely unused services. No refunds are issued for services unused during the Holidays.
Play dates and sleepovers:
For families with pets that receive care within our home, please keep dogs current on vaccinations (rabies, distemper, kennel cough, and flu) as well as flea and tick control (such as frontline or Advantix). Also, please let us know if your dog is heat or cold sensitive, has any allergies, or is not spayed/neutered. Dogs that exhibit signs of aggression, constant barking, destructive tendencies, or not being house-broken will no longer be able to attend play groups. Additionally, for their own safety, no dog under 6 months of age or 10 lbs will be considered for play group. Socialization and play is so important for dogs- let's make sure they can do it in a healthy and safe environment.
Safety:
I must be able to enter your home easily and safely. Remember- doors/locks/stairs in disrepair make it much harder (and on occasion, impossible) for me to do my job! Additionally, all dogs must be *reasonably* behaved on a leash. Everybody pulls or barks sometimes but a dog that is truly unruly can cause accidents on stairs or when walking along the street. If a dog is just too hard to handle, I may refer you to a dog trainer before I can resume services. Please understand, I am NOT a dog trainer and cannot function in that capacity.
Walking:
Please understand, I cannot walk your dog off-leash (even when requested) unless in an enclosed yard/park specifically designated for dogs to roam free. This is for the simple reason that it is illegal in both Baltimore City and County to do so. Additionally, a loose/uncontrolled dog creates safety/liability concerns! Again, if your dog has difficulties walking/going potty while on a leash, I may suspend services to allow you to work with a trainer who can help with this issue.
Please understand, I cannot walk your dog off-leash (even when requested) unless in an enclosed yard/park specifically designated for dogs to roam free. This is for the simple reason that it is illegal in both Baltimore City and County to do so. Additionally, a loose/uncontrolled dog creates safety/liability concerns! Again, if your dog has difficulties walking/going potty while on a leash, I may suspend services to allow you to work with a trainer who can help with this issue.
Closings:
In the event that Healthy Pets must close, you will receive notice well in advance (excepting in extreme emergencies). I do not employ other pet-sitters/dog-walkers so please know that anyone I might refer you to works independently for themselves or another company. They may have different policies or rates.
Medications:
I will do my very best to administer medications as instructed to your pet. However, please be aware your pet may not be as comfortable with me medicating them as they are with you. There may be times that an animal struggles too much, becomes aggressive, or hides too well to be given medication. You will be notified if doses are missed and we can discuss how to proceed.
Services not provided:
While I like to be helpful when possible, there are certain requests I cannot honor. I cannot supervise other contractors, meet them to let them in or turn your key over to a 3rd party. I cannot provide or assist with grooming beyond brushing. I am not capable of making any (even minor) household repairs. If an urgent repair becomes necessary while you are away, you will be notified as quickly as possible so that you can make appropriate arrangements. I cannot wait for delivery people or sign for deliveries. The reason for these restrictions are two fold: It takes time away from what I really want to do- taking care of animals and it also creates an increased risk of liability.
Leashes, collars, and bags:
Owners are required to provide any supplies necessary for caring for their pet. Please make sure these items stay in repair so that your pet is secure on our walks. Additionally, if a collar or harness does not seem to be working to control your pet, I may switch to a standard nylon leash for the remainder of the walk and make suggestions for a change in pet accessories.
These policies updated as of 11/1/12. A prior contract will not nullify any current Healthy Pets Policy. In the event that a policy listed above contradicts a pre-existing agreement (verbal or written), it is the above listed policies that will stand. To start or continue with Healthy Pets services is acknowledgement of this.